AKRON, Ohio — The University of Akron Department of Athletics unveiled a new logo Monday, describing it as "a modern, stylized A".
"One of the significant recommendations of last year's University-wide Athletics Working Group—whose members included student-athletes, faculty, staff, alumni and community representatives—was to streamline UA's athletic branding, which had become a jumble of no fewer than eight logos." said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Charles Guthrie, "This new approach simplifies and aligns our identity across all settings, makes a statement about who we are, and will increase the impact of the Akron Athletics brand."
According to the University, focus groups were held with "observations and suggestions" from those discussions taken into account resulting in the logo redesign.
For those worried that the logo change might deemphasize the mascot "Zippy" or the "Zips" nickname, the University wants to put your worries at ease. According to the full release of the logo change announcement, the "Zips" brand will continue to be prominently featured for UA and UA Athletics.
According to Guthrie, the opportunity presented itself for a rebrand after the field turf at InfoCision Stadium was due for replacement.
"It was the right moment to optimize our brand footprint and remain fiscally responsible. The InfoCision Stadium Summa Field turf had reached the end of its useful life and the funds to replace it were provided by a donor. In addition, we needed to start changing our uniforms to reflect our Nike sponsorship, which will take some time. Starting that process now, in coordination with the field turf replacement, was particularly advantageous."
While UA seems to be abuzz with excitement at the rebrand, some are less convinced.
If there's one thing Northeast Ohioans know, it's that nothing brings a fanbase and their team together in perfect harmony like a logo/name change.
